Sionna

DNF @ 15%

This one started off great. There is a story, there is drama, there is hint at romance to come. Then suddenly there is nothing but banter and talking at each other which eventually starts to drag :( Move on~
Then the romance goes from 0 to 100 in a snap. I had whiplash! Like okay tons of smut here, whatever, but I don't know why they like her or vice versa, especially since all she talks about with them is her ex. Seriously even in the middle of sex she mentions Derek. I'm like what?!

I just... I'm sure I could have pushed on, but I stopped caring :/

DNF @ 60%

I had such high hopes for this book, but it quickly spiraled down for me. The romance was so, so quick and ridiculous. They aren't even in a relationship and they act jealous or hurt when she dates someone else, but they hadn't even tried to date her yet.
I always thought there was a lack of detail and lead up. Also, who runs into the street without looking both ways?!

Anyhow, it is a interesting premise and I really wanted to like it. It is mostly on the lighter side with fluff.

This was such a fun and quick read. So glad I picked it up. Honestly, haven't read one bad book by this author yet.

DNF @ 14%

I'm given these prison books a try – I mean, why not, right? So far, I've read two good ones, but this one was hitting me the wrong way. The book starts with attempted rape and then it isn't talked about because instead she decides to lose her virginity to her best friend –which ends up being a mess (no sh*t). Then all hell breaks loose, no one explains anything, she's just supposed to know everything.
Also, her whole torso and down her legs is her new tattoo – like she had no say in this?? And she didn't think it was weird when he said this would kill someone lesser??? Also, that tattoo sesion should have taken HOURS how was Rib gone that whole time?

I just... UGH! Yeah, I couldn't take it.

DNF @ 40%

They've interacted once – the book so far covers a week and most the book has been repetition : they keep saying the same things over and over. And if a hero is going to bring up so many damn times that they don't want to get married or have kids then I want to respect that. Those things aren't for everyone. I feel like their relationship (if they ever interact again and in a way to build??? a relationship) will feel hella forced at this point.

Look, I love me a good ‘ol slow burn (sign me up for that club and give me the platinum card) but a romance can't be considered a slow burn when they've only interacted once, not including the two times he saw her and ignored her and the book is almost halfway over. A slow burn romance is all about the build up.

So, not thanks and now I'm hella sad because Cutie & the Beast sounds so cute but it is the same author and :(((( now I dunno if I should give it a try or not.

I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

2.5 stars
Hmmm... what to say about this book that I did not say about the first book.

Everyone claims Keeley solved the murder in the first book and believes her to be an adept detective when both are false. I will say in this book she does more snooping and I can see how she may be a good detective, but still no dice.

Her boyfriend, Ben, is one of my favorite characters and the one I think it the most level-headed and realistic. He is in the right when he tries to get his own girlfriend to stop asking questions and potentially screwing up the case. Isn't that considering interference? Like, at least in America I think we have a law against it... anyhow, I completely agree with him because she is an amateur and totally clueless in how obvious what she is doing is.

sigh I also want to mention that Gerald, the dead man in this book, was planning on a one way trip somewhere else in the last book....so I guess he didn't go?

I also liked Megan and the town dynamics, which were cozy and nice. I actually liked this book more than the first, although that might be because I skimmed a lot of paragraphs where no one was talking. I don't feel like I missed out on anything in the story.

I do think people who like cozy mysteries set in England with an amateur detective might really enjoy these. There are some yummy looking recipes in the back and Yoga poses through the book for people to try. It is a nice book and if this is your thing, totally try it out.
I think, I will need a break from cozy mysteries for a while.

DNF @ 9%/ 9??? chapter in

Her brother made his gang because he's an adrenaline junkie?? and doing motorcross just doesn't cut it apparently. Also, why go to university and get the education/degree needed to play high stakes games on the national and international level when you can just deal drugs in a city?
He's soooooo smart and yet, he buries people in his backyard instead of idk anywhere else?!
He also still lives at home... for some reason that wasn't explained yet, but between him and his rich father they apparently have horrible home security because Love Interest was able to sneak onto the property... on a Harley.

So, that all being said it is probably easy to tell that I just couldn't get into this book because I couldn't take any of the characters seriously. Literally nothing any of them did made sense nor does the circumstances the story lands us in.

Also wish people would stop calling this mafia romance it isn't it's gang which is a different vibe. And don't get me started on how girlie is “Royalty” literally only because her brother's gang is called Queen City Dukes.


That all being said, the writing is decent and I don't remember any errors thus far, so I am not writing this author off completely. There is potential here.

I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Dnf @ 19%

sigh I really wanted to like this one.
In my last year of grad school, possibly my last year of school ever, and all I want to read is about college students–extra points if they are like me. I want some connection. I want scream at how finally the book world gets it. This is not that book.

I'm not rating this one, because I feel most of my comments are subjective.
–Who starts school (in semesters) after Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
–How is it possible all these people are seniors?? Do they not befriend younger people in their classes???
–Graduating after four years ONLY wtf...
–Dad, a plumber, pays for MC's tuition and younger sister's private (hs?) school tuition?
–And a waitressing job pays for books and housing DO YOU SEE ME LAUGHING IN DISBELIEF?
–lack of mentioning CHRISTMAS, like, I'm sorry even if you hate x-mas it will still be mentioned because of how sick of seeing all the decorations you are!
–One week for a 10page research paper? Seriously I can't even imagine a teacher not wanting quality work PLUS this was week 1 or 2 of the semester!! Maybe English majors are that different, usually I had a month at least.
–Not telling your bf about your new roommate situation seems bizarre and the lack of affection I think is foreshadow UGH.
–Who moves (can move?) out of the dorms during mid year... like I had to fill out paperwork stating it was necessary that I move out (IE going abroad) and I can see it....but a semester is only 5 months.... was it really worth it? A year seems more likely.

...19% in and I could still go on I KID YOU NOT.
I'm not saying I need a book to be to my exact specifications but I need it to be more realistic; I just could not suspend my belief enough to keep reading.

I don't mean to bash on this–I really don't. I just don't think I was able to stick with it long enough to find the good. :(

DNF @ 39%/ 15 chapters

Man, I really tried. I love the tone, the setting, the mysterious vibes, but I didn't actually like the characters haha. They felt childish and while I know some mystery is there to keep us interested, I needed a bit more to feel invested. Also, the dudes keep saying they are gonna find the stepfather and promise to protect her, buuuuut all we actually see them do is eat breakfast with her, put her to sleep, and obsess over her. Barely any searching to be done, but a ton of posturing.

And I wanted to love the Hallow Fest Nights, but we've had only one night and everyone is supposed to be anonymous, but everyone knows who she is and when she asks who to stay away from she's told The Halloween Boys, but given no way to id them even though everyone else can tell who they are????

Idk it just isn't working for me :(

DNF @ 34%

I wasn't a fan of Beth. The concept of the caged Gods was pretty interesting, but I didn't understand how the found Beth and why they'd go about meeting and talking with her the way they did. Also the way the Gods are treated didn't sit well with me. Adding Morrigan to the mix though was pretty cool. In the end my inability to care about the characters or their problem had me dropping the story out of boredom.

I received this book from Curiosity Quills in exchange for a honest review

This book does not contain your average fantasy creatures. In this world there are succubi, incubus, dragons, snakes or lizard people, phoenix people, and most importantly the main character who is a siren.
And of course is a city where crime never sleeps, it is perfect for an assassin. Layla uses her siren powers to lure those interested in her to their deaths which look like accidents.

This started out VERY entertaining. I enjoyed seeing how she would lure people out or which style was working for her. But then of course, the story had to happen and with it, a change in the way Layla does business. No more suave accidental looking deaths but guns and knives. It felt like she wasn't even trying to take the manipulative way out.

There are scenes that didn't make sense to me or how they worked out but, they added to the action of the book. I am also not sure how Inhuman abilities work/ don't work. Some Inhumans fall under Layla's spell and others... don't. Some humans too... It was a bit confusing.

So, up to 60% into the book I was into the book and after that my interest dwindled.

It was a good book. I'd definitely recommend this to people who like different creatures in their books and interesting story lines. I have one friend already I'll be introducing this book to.

DNF @ 15%/ 4 Chapters

Ehhhh this is boring. Like, I get we have to go through this trauma with her and see how it is affecting her. Even before she took the shot though, I was bored with her. She says she's numb now? I thought she was numb before. Nothing about her internally seems different and I feel super disconnected.
I also had to double-check the synopsis because as I was reading I was wondering if I had remembered things wrong and she was going to become the stalker.

So, not my thing. Could get better, but idk. Also The Kill Room chapter??? I see chapter 5 is going to be that too so maybe a side-story/case which current makes the story feel even more disjointed.

I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

DNF @34%

I did try to stick with this one, I swear. Over 30% into a book though, I expect to feel a connection forming with the characters or feel the confusion over events and names slowly fading.

The thing is, it took a while before I even realized some of the names where the same people. Last name is mentioned or first, but for awhile not together. So, when I finally figured out which first and last names went together, I almost felt like restarting the book! Even when I gave up I had a difficult time connected the right people to the right names–most likely because I had assumed they were different people to begin with. So, if full names were used early on, that would have been helpful.

My biggest problem was the romance and how the main characters acted with one another. It seemed to me, in their minds or inner dialogue, the characters were different than when they talked or interacted with one another. This was weird. To be so depressed and then flirt with a guy, then immediately go back to sadness.... I feel this is possible, yes, but it was written in an unbelievable way for me. Also, sleeping in a car with someone you don't trust–barely know?! Yeah, no way. The way the romance was building too, was strange, since they barely talked to one another , especially rare if there is no bad feelings in the talking.

Some of the writing felt awkward to me too. I skipped ahead to an emotional scene which just made me blink and think, “I suppose people might act that way...?”

So, I didn't want to continue on. I think some people might enjoy this and the writing isn't terrible, which is why 2 stars instead of one, but I don't think I'll recommend this often.

DNF @ 32%

Not bad, it just couldn't hold my attention...

DNF @ 10%

I couldn't continue. Every time I think about continuing my mind goes “UGH.”

I really love the concept of the story and the reason I picked this one up is because it is set in university. I need more university-set books. Also, I did my undergrad in San Francisco, so the person on the front looked like a typical college student. I was looking forward to reading about her writing the column too, which can always be fun.

The thing is on the first page it says most the people in the office are already gone AND all her colleagues have left for the afternoon. I get that these essentially mean different things, but it still seems redundant. So, right off the bat I was having negative feelings. Unfortunately, this didn't help warm me up to the characters who I feel I've read about in different stories. This is not the author's fault, but these types of characters are ones I usually don't end up liking. – even though I liked the dude's outfit. Savannah also has a ton of nicknames, goodness.
The other thing is, the dude wants Sav/Van's forgiveness, yet is going behind her back. We all know this will end up being kindling to the fire, but in the end they realize they are perfect for each other and his sister becomes his best friend.

So, I'm not saying NO ONE will like this book, I'm just saying I'm kinda tired of these right now. I'm sure many people will enjoy this book, but those people are not me.

I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

DNF @ 21%

I really wanted to like this one. The premise sounded awesome! Unfortunately, with two slips, a broken vase, and Isa getting a job, I immediately went, “oh, no”.

I love quirky books, in fact I'm a huge fan of the Stephanie Plum and Charley Davidson series, which feature many crazy antics and silly situations. This book takes the quirkiness a step too far and provides nothing else. Within 20% of a book I should kinda know where the book is going and not be wondering why a police officer pulled over Isa and not arresting the youths stealing the tires from a car. Having ones house (where they are squatting and somehow getting water, electricity, and cable) broken into regularly, and having nothing to wear but a table cloth should not be matched with angry mumbling, but no action to rectify the thievery.

I'm confused with the plot (what plot?), annoyed at the characters who act like one dimensional children, and have given up trying to understand the setting.

What a let down.

DNF @ 53%

I was just so, so confused. Things weren't completely explained and timeline felt... weird? The romance is not terribly interesting either. I think the writing style is what really kept me from liking anything. If things were more flushed out, explained, given some time, I might like it more.
The premise is interesting, but with the confusion I couldn't get myself to care much.

Ending this on a ‘meh' note. There is a lot of potential and the romance is a huge slow burn, but I feel like things weren't explained very well and I still have no idea when the guys became her ‘mates' and... yeah. An interesting story though.

DNF 33%

Alright, I might have been feeling lackluster about the book and went to read reviews– accidentally spoiled the book but really, I kinda knew a lot of what was going to happen and I wasn't too surprised. I agreed with most of the reviews about how the pacing is slow and the characters don't seem to have much depth.

So, I decided not to go on. I do wish I knew some of the more deeper details but, I don't care enough to keep listening. Listening to Amy talk about her new life makes me claustrophobic and putting myself in her shoes... I'd rather be frozen again even if it meant I might die–heck I probably wouldn't have gotten on the ship in the first place....

Anyhow, I LOVE the cover which is why I wanted to read it and I thought the concept was really cool but, the execution left me wanting.

fluff fluff fluff

DNF @ 76%
It isn't a terrible book, it just wasn't holding my attention. So, when I put it down, I didn't feel the desire to pick it back up.
I didn't particularly like Lu and how she seemed to be a different person with each guy she was around. Her decisions didn't really work for me either and I didn't see why the guys would like her unless it was weird pheromones or something. Yeah, she just didn't work for me and that meant the guys weren't working for me either.
The school might have also been difficult for me to believe in as well.

Okay, so.... wow. I've already recommended this series to a few of my friends. I'm in love.

Compared to the first book this one didn't focus on her talking to dead people as much but, it was still there. (Shout out to Angel & Mr. Wong.)

The plot moved forward at a good steady pace even though I wasn't always aware it was. Things add up though and we see where it is going. I also thought it was cool how this happened a week after the last book. With all her injuries I would have had a problem but, that's cleared because of how fast she heals.

Cheesy? A little yeah

Predictable? Kinda

But, I love cheesy and it wasn't SO predictable that I knew exactly what would happen and how. I also thought the dialogue was a little more cheesy or meh than the first –not too much! There were moments were I did think ...really? Other than those, I loved it. I absolutely loved it.

I did actually laugh once or twice, but for the most part this book dragged for me. I thought the characters were confusing and confusing themselves.
The romance was fun though. I loved how they came together not just in attraction, but also in respect and being able to enjoy the quiet or simpler moments with one another. So, I really did like this couple and how the romance (mostly) happened, just not the posturing and everything that dragged it out.

I might read the next book since I do like Devlin and I want to know more about Val. We will see though.

Dnf @ 15%/ 3 chapters

I liked the cozy charming feel of it. Lots of potential there.
The dialogue is rather circular and has character names thrown in a lot and a little repetitive. The story is fast, but also not much is actually explained. Like, why was magic done onto her? How are there going to find Ian? Where are they from where magic is legal? What does the bond between them mean or do?

I just wasn't convinced by anything I read.

I wasn't sure if this would be one I like – I dislike when people in a relationship hide things from each other. And yes, this couple totally does hide things, but the way it is written and because of what Minerva does know, I wasn't too annoyed.

I honestly loved this couple. They are adorable and work so well together. While there is instant attraction, we also get to see this couple's affection grow. This is what I would call a slower burn and it was delightful.

The characters are all so thought out. Minerva and her friends are smart, independent, and know what they want. Even if that means never being in a serious relationship or not having children!! I LOVE THIS! The men are all different too from the player who is understanding, the over-the-top romantic not afraid to show his feelings, and our subdued lead who has dyslexia. I absolutely loved the details to these characters!

There are many reasons laugh and it is light enough to keep a smile on your face.
I definitely recommend this book to romance lovers who want to laugh. This is my second book I've read by Jennifer Cruise and it will not be my last.